"Barriers Encountered by Social Workers in Vocational Rehabilitation Programs for Individuals with Physical Disabilities: A Proposed Framework from the Perspective of Generalist Social Work Practice to Address Them"

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the barriers faced by social workers in vocational rehabilitation programs for individuals with physical disabilities in Palestine and to propose a professional framework to address them from the perspective of generalist social work practice. Using a qualitative approach based on interviews and thematic analysis، the study included 37 social workers from Hebron and Bethlehem during the 2025–2026 academic year. The findings revealed that the barriers appear at several levels، including program-related challenges such as inadequate equipment، weak coordination with the labor market، outdated training content، and shortages in staff and funding. Institutional and administrative difficulties were also evident، including limited financial and managerial support، weak partnerships، bureaucratic constraints، and the absence of supportive policies. Moreover، social workers faced challenges related to professional stress، limited technical skills، insufficient training opportunities، and low motivation. Individuals with disabilities themselves also encountered obstacles such as mobility difficulties، lack of awareness، low motivation، and fear of discrimination. The study recommended updating training curricula to align with labor market needs، promoting continuous capacity-building for social workers، and fostering supportive institutional environments. It further emphasized the importance of building strategic partnerships with public and private sectors and adopting inclusive، sustainable policies grounded in the social model of disability and empowerment theories to promote equality، participation، and long-term impact.